Environmental Goods and Services (EGS)

The role of environmental goods and services (EGS), including environmentally sustainable technologies, in promoting environmental protection, trade and development has been an increasing focus of discussion and analysis since the Earth Summit. While there is emerging consensus that stimulating trade in EGS can provide opportunities for developing countries, discussions continue on precisely how this might be achieved. Negotiations are currently taking place in the WTO on the possible reduction or elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers on EGS (paragraph 31(iii) of the DMD). Through a range of efforts – including the organization of national and regional workshops and training events and the development of an analytical paper under the auspices of the UNEP-UNCTAD CBTF – UNEP-ETB is supporting developing countries in their efforts to actively engage in the current EGS negotiations.